There are no current viable alternatives to staging or finishing Brighton’s traditional motoring events other than Madeira Drive, according to a report going before councillors.
The closure of Madeira Drive during the first national coronavirus lockdown and subsequent changes to the road layout have led to concerns about the future of long-running motoring events on Brighton seafront.
Now a report is due to go before Brighton and Hove City Council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee next Thursday (19 November).
Nine events are planned – all of which have taken place for at least a decade – with next year being the 125th anniversary of the Veteran Car Run.
They include the Ace Café Reunion and the Brightona motor cycle rally, speed trials, the Classic Car Run, Brighton Breeze – for VW owners – and rallies for Mini and historic commercial vehicle owners.
A study by Sussex University estimated that the Veteran Car Run alone brings in £1.1 million to the local economy.
The event attracts 10,000 people, with day visitors spending an average of £50 each and overnight visitors £200.
The council’s report said that, as well as the considerable financial benefits, there were negative effects in terms of noise, vehicle emissions and the associated health implications.
Last year the committee agreed that the Events Team would not accept any new events “focused on vehicles with internal combustion engines” without first asking the committee to grant landlord’s consent on behalf of the council.
The report said: “At present, there are no viable alternatives to staging / finishing these major events in Madeira Drive.
“Madeira Drive and its ability to close for up to 28 days per calendar year is the envy of many local authorities events-wise.
“Officers from the Events Team are working closely with the project teams for the developments of Valley Gardens Phase 3 and Black Rock where it may be possible to host some of the activity / infrastructure needed for the staging of major events at the easternmost end of Madeira Drive, at a newly created events space at Black Rock at some stage in the future.”
Some of the events planned for next year will require the temporary closure of the newly widened cycle lane between the Palace Pier and Black Rock.
The closure of the Madeira Terraces has limited the amount of space available for spectators and others at events in Madeira Drive.
The report said that council officials had worked with event organisers to move as much of their infrastructure as possible on to the beach or to wider areas of the promenade to keep the cycle lane open for as long as possible.
Madeira Drive events are good for residents and good for business. We should be encouraging more of them. Restoring the Madeira Arches and Terraces would make the area even more attractive for all.